The regional trade fair for franchises 'Expofranquicias 2016', will be held on 12th and 13th of May in Costa Rica.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica:
Costa Rica, March 14, 2016. More than 100 exhibiting companies and 4,000 investors from the Caribbean, North, Central and South America and Europe, will participate in the seventh version of the only regional trade fair for franchises: Expofranquicia, which will be held on 12th and 13th of May in Costa Rica with the aim of promoting the opening of new franchises in the region.
Imports of these products have been banned after detecting the presence of vegetable fat in 83 varieties of ice cream imported from Spain, Nicaragua, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Clarifying that the presence of vegetable fat is not harmful to health, the Panamanian Food Safety Authority (AUPSA) reaffirmed the ban on imports of dairy products containing vegetable fat.
The international franchise Pinkberry has announced the opening of two branches and plans to open another ten throughout the year.
In line with the growth of franchising in the field of restaurants, ice cream parlours and coffee shops in the country, the company Royal Food Services announced the opening of its first two Pinkberry branches, specializing in the manufacture of frozen yogurt.
The arrival of new franchises in the country has sparked fierce competition in an industry where product diversification, self-service and innovation are the key to winning over the market.
One trend which is booming is low-calorie ice cream made from natural products, as well as self-service counters at which customers can choose various combinations of flavors and pay according to the weight of the final ice cream.
For thirty days, the company that dominates 90% of the market will not place its products on the market due to works taking place at its processing plant.
Grupo Estrella Azul, a major national producer of dairy products, has halted ice cream operations for a month due to a modification and maintenance plan at its plant in Transístmica. The brand has a 90% share of the market and according to reports has managed to stockpile a 10 to 12 day supply for while the plant is out of operation.
Grupo Nutresa has announced a binding agreement to acquire for $110 million 100% of the Panamanian company American Franchising Corp., ice cream manufacturer.
A statement from Grupo Nutresa reads:
Grupo Nutresa reports that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% shares of the company American Franchising Corp. (AFC)
Fulfilling the reporting requirements contained in paragraph 9 of subsection a) of Article 5.2.4.1.5 of Decree 2555 of 2010, Grupo Nutresa reports that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% shares of the Panamanian company American Franchising Corp. (AFC) in the amount of $110 million, a company engaged in the business of Ice Cream in Central America.